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Thursday, 10 October 2013

Many professionals feel that performance reviews are boring, and perhaps, rather unhelpful. However, they can really help you to reflect upon both your past and your future career. Read the 5 tips below to ensure that your appraisals are top-notch!

1. Acknowledge that it's necessary
If you want to know whether you're improving or not, you need to get some feedback. Don't lose confidence however if you feel that you're 'stuck' with a past negative feedback - acknowledge that you might have changed your behaviour and hence now require a positive form of appraisal.

2. Context is key!
For starters, you should really think about how good your boss is at this type of process. How are performance appraisals conducted in your organisation? Is it a dull, routine activity that people shy away from or is it more vibrant? Even though the organisation may say that performance appraisals are important, how seriously does it really take them?

They are an opportunity for you to explore where you want to go, alongside understanding what the options may be. Gather evidence about your past performance and think about what you want in the future.

3. Assess your attitude towards your job
Don't go through your appraisal just for the sake of it. Consider what the value of the process is to you. Is it something that you look forward to or is it the complete opposite? An appraisal gives you many opportunities to plan what you want to do next in your work, so grasp those opportunities with both hands. If you're serious about this job, you need to go for it. If not, then it's a good time to consider whether the role is right for you.

4. Consider your future
After your appraisal, set out a plan and get it signed off by your boss. Map out your future at the organisation – even if your manager isn't actively involved in this.

Keep your manager in the loop, though. For example, you could tell your boss that following discussions in your appraisal, you plan on doing certain aspects of your work differently, or taking on new responsibilities, and will report back with the results.

5. Be persistent
If your boss doesn't stick to promises made during the appraisal, you may well need to follow up with them again. Your manager is busy and you are but one of many going through this process so you need to take responsibility and make sure you get what you need. If you are worried that your boss is not giving you any support or is treating you unfairly, raise the issue again and let them know that you will go and speak to HR. Managers are often busy, but good managers always find time for their people and for their career development.